Breast Enlargement

Breast augmentation or “boob job” involves using silicone implants to enhance the shape, fullness and projection of the breasts. Breast augmentation does not correct severely droopy breasts. In such cases a breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation to achieve the desired lift and projection of sagging breasts.

Who is a suitable candidate?

Having breast augmentation is a very personal decision and you should be doing it for yourself and not for someone else. The satisfaction rate is high for this type of procedure.
You should be physically fit and not pregnant or breast-feeding.
Your expectations must be realistic and your breasts must be fully developed. If your breasts are too small or have lost shape and volume with time, after pregnancy or weight loss then breast augmentation can improve the shape and volume.
Breast augmentation may also be suitable for patients who do not have equal breast size (asymmetry).

What happens before surgery?

You will be asked to stop certain medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen or herbal medicines that might increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery.

If you are a smoker, you will be advised to stop smoking at least two weeks before and a similar length after surgery to reduce the chances of wound healing issues.

What does the surgery involve and how long it takes?

The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and takes over 1 hour to complete. The Incision is made under the breast to minimise the visibility of the scarring. A pocket is created under each breast to fit the implant in place. Once the implant is placed the incisions are stitched with dissolving suture material. Usually, no drain is required.

What happens after surgery?

Usually, after staying one night in the hospital, you can go home the next morning with some simple analgesia (painkillers). You are encouraged to wear a sports bra for additional comfort and support after surgery for up to 6 weeks.

You will be seen one week after surgery to ensure all is well. You can usually return back to routine work 2- 3 weeks after surgery and resume sports activities after 4-6 weeks. Another follow up will be organised 3 months after your surgery to assess the outcome and get feedback on your overall experience.

What are the risks and complications?

Breast augmentation surgery carries a low risk of complications and an overall high satisfaction rate. Some of the possible complications include:

• Wound healing problems
• Bleeding (haematoma)
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Unfavourable scarring
• Infection (skin or implant): in rare instances, the implant has to be removed and replaced a few months later when the infection is fully treated.
• Change in nipple and/or skin sensation
• Capsular contracture: scar tissue around the implant is normally soft but in rare instances, it can cause discomfort, this may need corrective surgery to reduce the scar or even change the implant.
• Leakage of silicone: this condition is rare especially in the new generation of implants where the silicone is firm and does not travel far from the implant if there is a leak.
• Breast contour and shape irregularities
• Asymmetry
• Possibility of revision surgery

Summary:

Majority of patients are happy with their breast augmentation surgery. The procedure requires a short general anaesthetic and return to routine activity is soon after surgery.